Fats Oils and Grease - Introduction

The James City Service Authority has created a public education campaign to eliminate improper disposal of fats, oils and grease (FOG). We have established the program to promote a clean environment by reducing the number of sanitary sewer overflows caused by Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG). Sewer overflows and backups can cause health hazards, damage homes and the environment. The campaign's slogan, "Don’t Strain the Drain!" is meant as a friendly reminder to our customers that putting fats, oils or grease down a sink can create a situation that is both unhealthy and expensive not only to the JCSA, but to you personally.

Putting these greasy materials down a sink can lead to a clogged sanitary sewer line. Clogs can then lead to wastewater backing up into your home or business, spilling out onto the streets, and even finding its way into storm drains and to the beaches of the Chesapeake Bay. Cleanup can be expensive for residential homeowners and especially expensive for commercial businesses like restaurants. They can also be subject to fines and closures if the situation is serious enough. While the JCSA maintains the community-wide sewer system, the sewer line within your own home and on your property out to the sewer main is the responsibility of the property owner. If you find that your home's sewer lines have become clogged with FOG, it may require either do-it-yourself maintenance or assistance from a plumber to clear the blockage.

Proper Disposal of Fats, Oils, and Grease

The first line of defense and the easiest way to solve the FOG buildup problem in your community and help prevent sewerage overflows is by keeping this material out of the sewer system. Here are a few tips:

Never pour grease down sink drains or into toilets.

Scrape grease and food scraps from trays, plates, pots, pans, utensils, and grills and cooking surfaces into a can or the trash for disposal.

Pour fats, oils and grease into a container such as an empty jar or coffee can. Once the materials have cooled and solidified and the container is full, secure the lid and place it in the trash or take it to any of the JCC Convenience Centers at 1204 Jolly Pond, Rd., 107 Tewning Road, and 185 Industrial Boulevard in Toano.

Don’t put grease down garbage disposals. Put baskets/strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids, and empty the drain baskets/strainers into the trash for disposal.

Communicate with your friends and neighbors about the problem of grease in your sewer system and how to keep it out. The solution starts right in your home with your actions.

Fee-free Fats, Oils and Grease Recycling at Our Convenience Centers

Ever wonder what happens to the fats, oils and grease that you take to the James City County Convenience Centers?

Valley Proteins recycles the contents of the fats, oils and grease recycling containers and supplies fats and protein for animal feed, pet food, and heating oil.